Football Picks [Bound To Go Wrong]
by Chris Clement

Entering the week, I stood at 33-46. So what happened afterwards? 2-2. We all knew the Pats would win, but I wasn't pleased. And it was a lot closer than the score shows. Either way, I'll take the season.

As for this weekend, let's roll!

Indianapolis @ Baltimore (-4)
I love that the Colts finally seem under the radar (go figure) and Baltimore might've been better off without the bye. 3-4 defenses traditionally clamp down on Peyton. Air McNair was brought in for this exact reason -- to win a playoff game for the Ravens. With a pick-6 being the difference, I'll take the Ravens to cover.
Pick: Baltimore [cover]

Philadelphia @ New Orleans (-5)
I love the cover, even with Lito Sheppard out. The Saints are very young (even Brees is 0-1 in the playoffs) and might not deal with the off-week very well. I'm not propping up Andy Reid either, as he's lost to plenty of coaches who seemed outmatched at the time of their playoff matchup. While the story in Nawlins is cute, the Eagles will cover. I'll call the outright upset, as I expect Westbrook to compile 200 yards of amazing offense.
Pick: Philadelphia [outright]

Seattle @ Chicago [-8.5]
Seattle's banged up secondary (Trufant still out) will suffer if Rex can stay calm and use the speed of Berrian and the possession abilities of Muhsin Muhammad and Desmond Clark (an uptapped resource in recent weeks who should be viewed as a safety net). While it's brutal to leave 8.5 points, Seattle should've lost last week. Jeramy Stevens will be covered and Seattle won't get any more turnovers near the redzone like they did last week against Dallas. Devin Hester struggled in the final few games of the year returning punts and kicks. The week off and Charles Tillman back will aid him as much as anyone. This team needed the bye more than any other. Seattle has to score anytime it gets near Chicago territory, and Josh Brown will do his job. Yet, I see Chicago somehow covering in the only ugly game of the week.
Pick: Chicago [cover]

New England @ San Diego [-4.5]
Sure, San Diego has looked like the only sure good thing in the NFL this year. Yet, am I honestly going to pick against Brady (11-1 playoffs) and the coach I don't wish to name anymore (photographer-shover perhaps?)? No. I don't think this is the best matchup for Phillip Rivers. Not to mention, Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk are excellent at picking up blitzes, say from a cheater like Shawne Merriman. While it kills me, the Pats could easily give Marty another home loss as a 1-seed in the divisional playoffs. Diggity damn, I hate to do this...
Pick: New England [outright]

Be on the lookout next week for the championship game picks!